Smith stays with Leicester Tigers

January 11, 2016

00:00

Long-serving centre Matt Smith has agreed a new contract with Leicester Tigers.

Already in his 11th season in the senior squad at Welford Road and enjoying a joint testimonial with club colleague Tom Croft, Matt shared a piece of history in 2012/13 when he joined dad Ian 'Dosser' Smith as the first father and son in Tigers history to each pass 100 starts for the club.

Smith, a three-time Premiership title winner, has totalled 178 appearances for Tigers since his debut in the 2005/06 season and has scored 29 tries in club colours.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "Matt has been a fantastic servant of the club and to have players who have such a strong link with Leicester, following their dad into the team, is very important here.

"He's been in outstanding form for us this season, his attitude to his work is first class and that is the kind of influence you want in the squad."

Smith, 30, said: "It means a lot to me to stay with my hometown team, it is where I have played all of my senior rugby.

"I feel like my rugby has really kicked on this season, we're playing some good stuff and I'm really enjoying it. Hopefully we're going in the right direction and everybody wants to be part of that."